Border Patrol Agents Encounter 306 Central Americans

TUCSON, Ariz. – A group of 306 Central Americans surrendered to Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents near the international border Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Large group apprehended in Arizona.

On Wednesday, agents from the Ajo Border Patrol Station patrolling on the border 15 miles west of Lukeville found 242 migrants. On Thursday morning, agents from the Casa Grande Station patrolling the border on the Tohono O’odham Nation encountered a group of 64 migrants who gave themselves up.

Both groups were comprised of family units, to include juveniles and pregnant women, largely from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

Border Patrol agents conducted an initial screening on site, which consisted of an interview and observation of the detainees to identify any health or safety issues requiring emergency evacuation. The initial screening identified one pregnant woman and four children requiring immediate care.

The five subjects were transported to a hospital in Goodyear, treated and released to Ajo Border Patrol Station agents for further processing. Subjects not requiring emergency medical attention were transported to Tucson for further processing and medical evaluation by Border Patrol paramedics.

In Tucson, an additional nine children, ages 1 to 13, were identified as having flu-like symptoms and were taken to a local hospital for further treatment.

Border Patrol agents save people every year who are overcome by the elements, including people found suffering from dehydration, heat stroke, hypothermia, drowning in the river, injuries, and left for dead by smugglers in some of the most remote areas of the desert when they enter the country illegally.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.